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Captive Marine Mammals

Captive Marine Mammals

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Life for captive whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals is nothing like a life in the ocean. It is almost impossible to maintain a family group in captivity, a tragedy for whales and dolphins. When you see marine mammals in tanks or pools, consider what they have lost in order to entertain us.

Whales and dolphins swim long distances each day, sometimes in a straight line for 100 miles. Most seals and sea lions migrate hundreds of miles each year. How large is the average tank in a zoo or aquarium?

Dolphins are self-aware and capable of abstract thinking. When captured from the wild, they are ripped violently and traumatically from their social units. Japan's drive fishery is a particularly cruel example, in which many dolphins are slaughtered alongside the so-called "lucky" ones, who are sold to dolphin display facilities.

News & Events

Consumers today want to see humane treatment for animals in all spheres—including food, fashion, and entertainment. Through its work with corporate leaders in various industries, The HSUS is making sure that people know what they’re getting when they buy a ticket, a coat, or an egg—and helping the animals who are part of the system get a better deal.

Two companies are taking the first steps towards ending the use of captive wild animals in entertainment: Ringling Bros. has ended elephant performances, and Sea World is scaling back its orca program.